Firearm Lock and Rapid Actuation Unit

ABSTRACT

A firearm safe with a rapid actuation unit (FSRA) including a housing, an activation mechanism mounted to the housing and configured to generate an activation signal in response to a predetermined condition, a lid operably connected to the housing and configured to be placed in a closed position and an open position, the lid being moved from the closed position to the open position in response to generation of the activation signal, the lid inhibits access to an interior of the housing in the closed position, and a carrier movable with respect to the housing and configured to be placed in a first position and a second position, the carrier being moved from the first position to the second position in response to generation of the activation signal, the carrier is disposed within the housing when in the first position and when the lid is in the closed position.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to firearm safes and more particularly to a firearm safe with a rapid actuation unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Firearm safety is a paramount concern among firearm owners and gun enthusiasts. As a result of this concern, there is a plethora of gun safes on the market, many equipped with high technology locking devices. Firearm owners largely fall into one of two categories with a substantial overlap between the two categories. In the first category, firearm owners are interested in the firearm from a functional/aesthetic perspective. In the second category, the firearm owners are interested in the firearm as a protection tool for protecting their domiciles. Firearm safes on the market today are designed to lock away firearms from theft and accidental discharge. For example, a safe can easily weigh several hundred pounds, making the safe immovable for a thief. At the same time, safes with electronic code entry panels or mechanical safe combinations make the contents of the safe essentially unreachable for a common thief.

However, a firearm owner that has obtained the firearm for the purpose of protecting his/her domicile would need to reach the firearm quickly and safely. For example in a middle of a night, upon hearing an intruder approaching a bedroom, the owner may not have time to get out of bed, approach the safe, which may be in another room, key in the combination in the dark, open the safe, retrieve the firearm and point it at the direction of the intruder. However, placing the firearm in a drawer near the bed would not provide the safety that would be required by the owner against accidental or unauthorized use of the firearm, e.g., by a minor.

Therefore, what is needed is a mechanism that allows a firearm owner quick and safe access to his/her firearm, while the firearm is otherwise locked away from unauthorized use.

SUMMARY

A firearm safe with a rapid actuation unit (FSRA) is disclosed. The FSRA includes a housing, and an activation mechanism mounted to the housing and configured to generate an activation signal in response to a predetermined condition. Also, the FSRA includes a lid operably connected to the housing and configured to be placed in a closed position and an open position, the lid being moved from the closed position to the open position in response to generation of the activation signal, the lid inhibits access to an interior of the housing in the closed position. Furthermore, the FSRA includes a carrier movable with respect to the housing and configured to be placed in a first position and a second position, the carrier being moved from the first position to the second position in response to generation of the activation signal, the carrier is disposed within the housing when in the first position and when the lid is in the closed position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of a firearm safe and rapid actuation unit (FSRA), in a closed position.

FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view of the FSRA of FIG. 1A, in an actuated position according to one embodiment.

FIG. 1C depicts a perspective view of various components shown with the cover broken away from the FSRA of FIG. 1C.

FIG. 2 depicts a perspective view of various components broken away from the FSRA of FIG. 1C.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of various components broken away from the FSRA embodiment depicted in FIG. 1C.

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of various components of a transport mechanism broken away from the FSRA of FIG. 1C.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D depict a perspective view of various components positioned within the FSRA of FIG. 1C.

FIG. 6 depicts a driver schematic for activating an actuator in the FSRA of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 7 depicts a lead-acid linear charge management circuit for charging a lead-acid battery used as an electrical power source for the FSRA of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 8 depicts a regulator for down-converting to a voltage used by various electronic components of the FSRA of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of a FSRA, in a closed position according to another embodiment with the lid removed, showing various internal components.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of various components of the FSRA of FIG. 9 in a closed position.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the components of the FSRA of FIG. 10 in an actuated position.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of various components of the FSRA of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a fingerprint reader and actuator assembly that can be used with the FSRAs of FIGS. 1 and 9.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of various components of the fingerprint reader and actuator assembly of FIG. 13 broken away.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Different embodiments of a firearm safe and rapid actuation unit (FSRA) are discussed in the present disclosure. In a first embodiment, the FSRA includes a gear-driven actuation mechanism for moving a carrier holding a firearm out of a housing from a position wherein the carrier is within the housing. In a second embodiment a gearless actuation mechanism is disclosed for projecting a carrier out of a housing from a position wherein the carrier is within the housing. Furthermore, different electronic actuation mechanisms are disclosed which can be used with either of the two embodiments.

Gear Drive Actuation

Referring to FIG. 1A, a perspective view of an FSRA 100 is depicted in a closed position. In the closed position, the FSRA 100 can be used as a safe for safekeeping a firearm 45 (see FIG. 1B). Material of the FSRA 100 can be chosen to inhibit destructibility. Alternatively, the components can be selected to provide a significant obstacle to unauthorized access to the inside of the FSRA 100.

The FSRA 100 includes a housing 102, a lid 104 pivotably attached to the housing 102, and a carrier 106. The FSRA 100 also includes a fingerprint reader assembly 116, indicator lamps 114, an actuation mechanism 200 (see FIG. 3), a transport mechanism 250 (see FIG. 4), and other internal components (see FIG. 2), discussed.

In the closed position depicted in FIG. 1A, the housing 102 and the lid 104 form a continuous outline of a rectangular box, and the carrier 106 completely within the interior defined by the housing 102 and the lid 104. The carrier 106 is intended to receive a firearm 45. The housing 102 and lid 104 can be designed to provide an aesthetically pleasing shape suitable for decoration. Alternatively, FSRA 100 may include additional functionality and assume a common shape for that functionality, e.g. an alarm clock. In any event, the lid 104 in its unactuated position prevents access to the firearm 45.

Referring to FIG. 1B, the FSRA 100 is depicted in an actuated position. The lid 104 is depicted in a position which is pivoted upward from the housing 102. A carrier 106 is depicted in a projected position outward from the housing 102. The firearm 45 is depicted resting within the carrier 106, readily accessible to the owner or another authorized user of the firearm 45.

Referring to FIG. 1C, a partially exploded perspective view of the FSRA 100 is depicted, wherein the lid 104 broken away from the housing 102 to reveal various interior components. As shown in FIG. 1C, the carrier 106 is a rigid box or container that has an open end facilitating access to its interior. The carrier 106 includes a flexible member 108, a cover 109, side walls 110, and a base 112. The flexible member 108 is coupled to a bottom portion of the cover 109 and is substantially enclosed by the side walls 110 and the base 112. The carrier 106 is slidably disposed within the housing 102 and, as shown in FIG. 1B, is configured to carry and firmly hold the firearm 45. The carrier 106 is configured to slide outward and upward, as will be discussed in detail below.

A space is provided between the flexible member 108 and the base 112 which provides the proper cavity for the firearm 45. A layer of nylon or other hard material is provided on the top surface of the base 112. This layer is provided to prevent damage and to the firearm 45. Also, the flexible member 108 is made from a material, e.g., stiff foam, that is configured to protect the firearm 45 from damage while securely pressing down on the firearm 45 to prevent any rattling of the firearm 45 inside the FSRA 100. The semicircle opening of the flexible member 108 is provided to protect knuckles of a user's hand as well as guide the person's hand around the handle of the firearm 45 described in further detail below.

Flanges 113 formed at the longitudinal end of the base 112 provide a longitudinal travel limit of the firearm 45. Accordingly, the firearm 45 is securely held within the space formed by the flexible member 108, the base 112, and the flanges 113, regardless of whether in the actuated or unactuated position.

Indicator lights 114 provide status information of the FSRA 100. Light emitting diodes (LED) of different colors can be used for the indicator lights 114. For example, a red light can be used to indicate the FSRA 100 is in an actuated position (i.e., the configuration depicted in FIG. 1B), a green light can be used to indicate the FSRA 100 is in a closed position ready to be actuated (i.e., the position depicted in FIG. 1A), and an amber light can be used to indicate a fault condition exists with the FSRA 100, e.g., an undercharged battery, which will be discussed in more detail further below. Any one of the three indicator lights 114 can be used to provide additional information. For example, the green LED 114 can be flashing to indicate that the FSRA 100 is in a state of charging. Also, diagnostic status information can be conveyed by a combination of blinking LEDs 114. For example, blinking green and amber LEDs can be used to indicate an electrical short within one of the components. It will be appreciated that other lighting technologies such as incandescent lights can also be used as the indicator lights 114.

A fingerprint reader assembly 116 is attached to the front side of the housing 102. The fingerprint reader assembly 116 includes a cover 117 and a fingerprint reader 118. The fingerprint reader 118 includes a lens (described in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 13 and 14) designed to receive a tip segment of a thumb or any other human finger, not shown. The cover 117 is configured to surround the lens such that a person can place one of his/her fingers (or thumbs) inside the cover 117 and against the lens of the fingerprint reader 118 while holding an open palm toward the FSRA 100. The cover 117 is shaped to be used as an anchor for the finger (or the thumb) and the hand while the FSRA 100 is in the process of activation. Also, the cover 117 can be used as a registration (i.e. positioning) mechanism for a finger (or thumb) for fast and accurate registration and recognition of the fingerprint. In this manner, the inside of cover 117 can be formed in shape of a funnel to guide a user to insert his or her finger (or thumb) inside the cover 117.

The lid 104 also includes a button assembly 120 which is positioned centrally on the lid 104. The button assembly 120 includes a fastener 121 and a spring-loaded button 122. The spring-loaded button 122 is biased upward and away from the lid 104, and is secured to the lid 104 with the fastener 121. Alternatively, the button assembly 120 can be positioned at a different location on the FSRA 100, e.g., the sides. The button assembly 120 and the fingerprint reader assembly 116 generally form an activation mechanism for sensing a predetermined condition, e.g., scanning a fingerprint pattern, generating information representative of the fingerprint pattern, and comparing the information to previously stored information representative of a fingerprint pattern of an authorized user.

Referring to FIG. 2, a partially-exploded, perspective view of various additional, interior components of the FSRA 100 is depicted. Depicted in FIG. 2 are a rail 152, a base 154, and a rack 156. The rail 152 is attached to the housing 102 and provides a sliding surface for the base 112 of the carrier 106. As the base 112 slides, the rack 156 causes rotation of a pinion 208 (shown in FIG. 3) which is engaged to the rack 156. The base 154 separates the aforementioned components of the FSRA 100 from the electronic components discussed in further detail below.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, fragmentary perspective views of various components of the actuation mechanism 200 (FIG. 3) and a transport mechanism 250 (FIG. 4) of the FSRA 100 are depicted in context with other elements of the FSRA 100. The actuation mechanism 200 includes a bracket 202, a fastener 204, pins 206, a gear 210 and a shaft 212. The bracket 202 connects and supports the pinion 208, the shaft 212, and the gear 210 by the fastener 204. The pins 206 connect the shaft 212 to the pinion 208 and the gear 210. The actuation mechanism 200 also includes a bracket 222. The bracket 222 is provided to support a gear 214 which interfaces with a gear 218. The bracket 222 is mounted to the lid 104 by fasteners (not shown). The gear 214 is rigidly coupled to the bracket 222. Thus rotation of the bracket 222 causes rotation of the gear 214 which is part of transport mechanism.

The transport mechanism 250 also includes gears 216 and 218. The gear 218 is rigidly coupled to the gear 216 which interfaces with the gear 210. As described further below, the components are configured to translate rotational movement of the lid 104 into rotational movement of the pinion 208 which is further configured to translate into linear motion of the rack 156 and with it the carrier 106.

Also depicted in FIG. 3 is a keyed lock 224. The keyed lock 224 is positioned on the side of the housing 102. As described in greater detail below, an electronic control actuates the FSRA 100 to the position depicted in FIG. 1B based on recognizing a fingerprint pattern. However, the FSRA 100 can also be actuated (into the position depicted in FIG. 1B) by inserting an appropriate key into the keyed lock 224 and turning the lock.

Also depicted in FIG. 4 is a heel 254 positioned at both sides of the bracket 222 (also see FIG. 5B). The heels 254 provides a positive stop for the rotational movement of the bracket 222 according to an arc denoted by “A-A” (FIG. 4) and arc denoted by “C-C” (FIG. 5B). Therefore, the heels 254 are configured to strike the bottom of the housing 102 or the base 154 in order to limit the rotational movements of the bracket 222. The heels 254 may be accommodated with bumpers (not shown) in order to cushion the contact between the heels 254 and the housing 102 or the base 154. A bracket 255 provides two slots 256 and 258 for programming the FSRA 100, e.g., providing information representative of fingerprints patterns of authorized users of the FSRA 100.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5D additional actuation components of the FSRA 100 are depicted. Included is an activation device 300, e.g., a solenoid, that is disposed in a housing 302. The activation device 300 is coupled to a lever 306. The keyed lock 224 also interfaces with the lever 306 by an arm-fastener 304. A shaft 308 protrudes inward into the housing 102 and is configured to provide a bearing structure for the bracket 222. A latch 310 is coupled to the lever 306 by an arm 309. The latch 310 is configured to be inserted into a latch-holder 311 (shown in FIG. 5D) of the lid 104. The latch holder 311 includes an opening 312 configured to receive the latch 310. When the latch 310 is in the latch-holder 311, the lid 104 is in the locked position (FIG. 1A). When the latch 310 is not in the latch-holder 311 the lid 104 is allowed to move into the actuation position (FIG. 1B). The latch 310 is pulled out of the latch-holder 311 of the lid 104 by energizing the activation device 300 or by turning the keyed lock 224 with an appropriate key. The lever 306 is designed to slide back-and-forth in the direction denoted by arrows “B-B”. The activation device 300 includes a spring (not shown) which forces the lever 306 and the latch 310 to the left (e.g., with respect to FIG. 5D). When the activation device 300 is energized the latch 310 is moved to the right (e.g., with respect to FIG. 5D).

The latch 310 includes a sloped portion 313, a flat portion 314, and a hook portion 316. When the lid 104 is in the process of being closed (the closed position in depicted in FIG. 1A) from an actuated position (FIG. 1B), the sloped portion 313 of the latch 310 makes contact with the opening 312 of the latch holder 311 and generates a force in opposition to the force generated by the spring of the activation device 300 which causes the latch 310 and the lever 306 to be pushed toward the activation device 300. This movement continues until the hook portion 316 reaches the opening 312 at which point the latch 310 slides into the opening 312 where the flat portion 314 rests against the opening 312. The hook portion 316 prevents accidental unlatching of the latch 310 from the opening 312.

A charged device 320 is provided between the bracket 222 and an anchor 322. The anchor 322 is securely attached to the housing 102. A bracket interface 324 provides structural support between the shaft 308 and the bracket 222. In the unactuated position (FIG. 1A), the charged device 320 is in a charged stated with potential energy. Therefore, the charged device 320 is configured to rotate the bracket 222 in the direction of arrows denoted by “C-C”. As discussed above, the heel 254 limits the rotation of the bracket 222.

The charged device 320 may be one of a gas spring, a spring, an explosive squib or other devices where potential energy is stored in the device. The potential energy is capable of being converted into kinetic energy thereby applying a force to the bracket 222. In one embodiment an explosive squib (not shown) can also be used in place of the activation device 300. The squib (not shown) can be used to cause the lever to move in the direction of the arrows “B-B” in order to move the latch 310 out of the latch-holder 311. Squibs are less expensive than solenoid (the activation device 300) and a gas cylinder (the charged device 320) and can be activated by small capacitors in place of larger batteries. However, the latter devices are reusable/rechargeable, while squib cartridges require replacement.

Referring to FIG. 6, schematic of an input/output circuit 350 is provided. The circuit 350 is basically divided into two circuits: a drive circuit 354 and a low battery detection circuit 356. A header 352 provides electrical connectivity between the input/output circuit 350 and other electronic components. The header 352 allows a modular approach. The drive circuit 354 drives the activation device 300 via connections 355A and 355B. A series of bipolar transistors are used to provide an appropriate voltage, e.g., 12 V, to the activation device 300 for activation. The low battery detection circuit 356 senses voltage of a battery (not shown) and can thereby be used to provide power to one of the indicator lights 114 to indicate the battery voltage is below a predetermined threshold. A header 358 is also provided for connecting several lines to the electrical ground. Referring to FIG. 7, a lead-acid battery charger circuit 400 is provided. A lead acid charge management integrated circuit 402 can be used to manage the charging of the lead-acid battery (not shown) via the terminals 404 and 406 which are electrically connected to terminals of the battery (not shown). The battery (not shown) is provided for activation of the activation device 300 in case of a power outage.

Referring to FIG. 8, schematic of a regulator circuit 420 is provided to step down the voltage from a high voltage, e.g., 12V to a lower voltage, e.g., 3.3 V for operation of integrated electronics. An integrated circuit 422 provides the step down functionality.

An integrated circuit (not shown) can be used to store information representative of an authorized user, scan a user's fingerprint pattern, generate information representative of the user's fingerprint pattern, and compare the information of representative of the user's fingerprint pattern with the stored information to establish a match. A programming feature, e.g., a button for learning and a button for erasing can be used to program the fingerprint circuit (not shown). The fingerprint circuit (not shown) can be programmed to recognize the fingerprint pattern of a plurality of authorized users. The stored information representative of fingerprint patterns of authorized users can be stored in non-volatile memory, e.g., flash memory.

In one embodiment, a cellular communication device (not shown) can be placed inside the FSRA 100 to make a cellular call to the police department in case the unit is activated. In addition a wired or wireless connection can be provided to a home security system to activate that system. Also, the FSRA 100 provides mounting to a solid structure in different ways. For example, the FSRA 100 can be mounted upside down, horizontally, vertically, etc. It will be appreciated these configurations are possible due to how the FSRA 100 is activated, i.e., the charged device 320. Furthermore, the FSRA 100 can be equipped with a loud siren that can be activated when the FSRA is actuated (i.e., the fingerprint reader circuit has established a match between the information representative of the scanned fingerprint pattern and the stored information representative of the authorized user's fingerprint pattern).

Operation of the FSRA 100 is now described. When the FSRA 100 is in the unactuated position (FIG. 1A), the lid 104 is closed (i.e., in the down position) with the latch 310 placed inside of a latch-holder 311. With the bracket 222 coupled to the lid 104 and the lid 104 in the closed position, the force applied by the charged device 320 to the bracket 222 cannot rotate the bracket 222 in direction of the arrow “C-C”. In other words, while the latch 310 is in the latch-holder 311, the force applied by the charge device 320 cannot move the bracket 222. Therefore, the lid 104 remains in the closed position (FIG. 1A). Once a user places his/her thumb (or finger) on the lens of the fingerprint reader 118 while pressing the button 122 (FIG. 1C) located on top of the lid 104, the fingerprint reader 118 activates and reads the fingerprint. The fingerprint reader circuit (not shown) scans the fingerprint pattern of the user, generates information representative of the fingerprint pattern, and compares that information to the information of representative of a fingerprint pattern of an authorized user stored in the nonvolatile memory (not shown). If a match exists then the FSRA 100 begins the actuation cycle.

The actuation cycle begins by energizing the activation device 300. The circuit 354 provides the appropriate signal to the activation device 300 via the connections 355A and 355B which energizes the activation device 300. The activation signal may be a momentary signal or an elongated signal. Regardless, after a predetermined period the activation signal for energizing the activation device 300 is deactivated. In response to becoming energized, the activation device 300 pulls the lever 306 towards the back of the FSRA 100 (i.e., toward the activation device 300). The movement of the lever 306 pulls the latch 310 out of the latch-holder 311. With the latch 310 out of the latch-holder 311, the charged device 320 is now able to move the bracket 222 according to the arrow “C-C” (FIG. 5B). Since the bracket 222 is fixedly coupled to the lid 104, movement of the bracket 222 also moves the lid 104 about the arrows “A-A” (FIG. 4) or “C-C” (FIG. 5B). Once the bracket 222 begins to rotate, the gear 214 which is fastened to the bracket 222 by a fastener 252 rotates (FIGS. 3 and 4). The gear 214 interfaces with the gear 218 which causes rotation of the gear 218. The gear 218 is rigidly connected to the gear 216 which is thereby urged to turn as well. The gear 216 interfaces with the gear 210 which also turns. The gear 210 is rigidly coupled to the pinion 208. Therefore, the pinion 208 begins to rotate. The pinion 208 interfaces with the gears of the rack 156. The rack is connected to the carrier 106. The rack 156 and the pinion 208 are designed to translate the rotational movement of the pinion 208 into a linear motion of the rack 156. Therefore, the carrier 106 which is fixedly coupled to the rack 156 slides outward. The aforementioned connections and interface relationships between the gears produce a solid linkage between the lid 104 and the carrier 106. Therefore, arcuate movement of the lid 104 translates to linear movement of the carrier 106 with minimal slop. The heels 254 (FIGS. 4 and 5B) positioned on the bracket 222 limit the rotation of the bracket 222 which limits the linear motion of the carrier 106.

Gearless Actuation

Referring to FIG. 9, a perspective view of an embodiment of a firearm safe and rapid actuation unit (FSRA) 100′ is depicted. In FIG. 9, the lid of FSRA 100′ is removed to depict various components. The FSRA 100′ includes a housing 102′, and a carrier including a base 112′. As in the FSRA 100, the base 112′ is configured so that the firearm (not shown) can be securely rested on the base 112′ in a space formed between a flexible member (not shown, see 108 in FIG. 1C) and the base 112′.

The FSRA 100′ also includes a charged device 504 which is pivotably coupled to the housing by a pin 502 and is further pivotably coupled to the base 112′ by a pin 506, a bearing 508 and a bracket 510. The pin 506 is coupled to the bearing 508 which is coupled to the bracket 510. While only one charged device 504 is depicted on the right hand side of the housing 102′ with respect to FIG. 9, it will be appreciated that a second charged device (not shown) is also positioned on the left hand side of the housing 102′. The second charged device (not shown) is similarly coupled to the housing 102′ with a pin (not shown), a bearing (not shown) and a bracket (not shown). For clarity of figure, a fingerprint reader assembly (see 116 in FIG. 1C) is not shown, however, a similar fingerprint reader assembly is provided on the housing 102′.

Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, schematic views of an actuation mechanism of FSRA 100′ are depicted. A lid 104′ of the FSRA 100′ is depicted in a closed position in FIG. 10. The lid 104′ includes brackets 520 which are projected in a downward direction when the lid 104′ is in its closed position (FIG. 10). The brackets 520 are positioned toward the outside edges of the lid 104′ but are positioned within the housing 102′.

Coupled to each bracket 520 is an arm 524 which is pivotably coupled to the bracket 520 by a pin 522. The arm 524 may be made from any rigid material such as steel, aluminum, or plastic. The brackets 520 are positioned inside the arms 524. The arms 524 are also pivotably coupled to arms 528 via pins 522. The arms 524 are positioned inside the arms 528. The arms 528 are also made from a rigid material such as steel, aluminum, or plastic.

The arms 528 are pivotably coupled to the housing 102′ by pins 526 and are also pivotably coupled to the base 112′ by a slotted interface and a pin collectively identified as 530. The base 112′ can be positioned within the arms 528 (i.e., the arms 528 can be positioned to be on the outside of the base 112′). Alternatively, the arms 528 can be pivotably coupled to the base 112′ by a bracket mounted on top of the base 112′. While the end of the arm 528 at the pin 526 is configured to pivot with respect to the pin 526, the slotted end 530 is configured to pivot with respect to the base 112′ as well as move linearly with the base 112′.

The lid 104′ includes a latch-holder 532 which projects downward when the lid 104′ is in the closed position (FIG. 10). The latch-holder 532 includes an opening configured to receive a latch (not shown) similar to the latch 310 (FIG. 5C). The latch (not shown) is coupled to an activation device (not shown) similar to the activation device 300 (FIG. 5A) via a linkage (not shown) similar to the lever 306 (FIG. 5A). The activation device (not shown) and the lever (not shown) are configured to pull the latch (not shown) out of the latch-holder 532 when the activation device (not shown) is energized.

Referring to FIG. 12, a perspective view of various components of the FSRA 100′ is depicted. As discussed above, the brackets 520 project downward from the lid 104′ when the lid 104′ is in the closed position (FIG. 10). The arms 524 (only one arm 524 is shown) are positioned between the brackets 520 and the arms 528.

The lid 104′ is hinged to the housing 102′ by a hinge assembly 540, e.g., a plano hinge. The hinge assembly 540 includes a leaf 542, a plurality of interconnecting knuckles 544 and a leaf 546. The leaf 542 is coupled to or alternatively integrated with the housing 102′. The leaf 546 is coupled to or alternatively integrated with the lid 104′. Each leaf 542 and 546 terminate at a plurality of knuckles 544 which are formed in a staggered manner and are configured to be interconnected with each other by a pin (not shown), as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art. While the leaf 542 is stationary, the leaf 546 can pivot with respect to the leaf 542. As a result, since the lid 104′ is coupled to the leaf 546 (or integrally formed therewith) and the leaf 542 is coupled to the housing 102′ (or integrally formed therewith), the lid 104′ can pivot with respect to the housing 102′. The hinge assembly 540 is configured so that the leaf 542 and the leaf 546 are in contact with each other (i.e., limiting travel of the leaf 546) when the lid 104′ is in the down position (FIG. 10).

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, perspective views of a fingerprint reader assembly 550 and the associated components are depicted. The fingerprint reader assembly 550 can be used with the FSRA 100 depicted in FIG. 1C (i.e., as the fingerprint reader assembly 116) or the FSRA 100′. It will be appreciated that the fingerprint reader assembly 550 is different from the fingerprint reader assembly 116 in that the button assembly 120 (FIG. 1C) is not used when using the fingerprint reader assembly 550.

The fingerprint reader assembly 550 includes a cover 552, a fingerprint reader 554, a bracket assembly 556, an activation switch 562, and a spring assembly 564. The fingerprint reader 554 includes a housing 555A and a lens 555B which is formed with a slope with respect to the cover 552. The cover 552 surrounds the lens 555B and allows a user to place his/her thumb or finger inside the space generated between the cover 552 and the lens 555B. The sloped relationship of the lens 555B and the cover 552 allows the user to anchor and register his/her thumb or finger in the fingerprint reader assembly 550.

The bracket assembly 556 includes a bracket 558, fasteners 559, and a contact wing 560. The fasteners 559 are used as set screws to engage with the fingerprint reader 555A. Therefore, when the fingerprint reader 555A is inserted within the bracket 558 and the fasteners 559 are fastened, the fingerprint reader 554 is firmly seated within the bracket 558. The contact wing 560 includes a raised portion 561 for placing the activation switch 562. Therefore, the raised portion is configured to provide a space between the bracket assembly 556 and the activation switch 562. The bracket assembly 556 also includes a pair of openings 557. These openings 557 are configured to receive bolts extended from the spring assembly 564 for the purpose of fastening the spring assembly 564 to the bracket assembly 556. The openings 557 are oval shaped to allow some sliding adjustment between bracket assembly 556 and the spring assembly 564.

The spring assembly 564 includes bolts 565 which are press fit into or alternatively integrally formed with the spring assembly 564. The spring assembly 564 further includes a leaf 566 and a leaf 568 which is connected to the leaf 566. The leaf 568 is biased upward with respect to the leaf 566. Therefore, application of a downward force to the leaf 568 may displace the leaf 568 downward; removing the force results in the leaf 568 to return to the position depicted in FIG. 14. The leaf 566 includes openings 570 which are shaped as ovals. The openings 570 are configured to mount the fingerprint reader assembly 550 to the housing 102′ of the FSRA 100′ or the housing 102 of the FSRA 100.

In operation, when a user places his/her thumb or finger on the lens 555B of the fingerprint reader 554 and presses down on the lens 555B, the downward force on the lens 555B is translated to the bracket assembly 556 which translates the force to the spring assembly 564. The leaf 568 of the spring assembly 564 deflects downward which allows the raised portion 561 of the contact wing 560 to lower onto the activation switch 562. Removing the downward force applied to the lens 555B, returns the raised portion 561 out of contact with the activation switch 562.

Once the activation switch 562 is pressed, the fingerprint reader 554 is powered and therefore is able to scan the fingerprint pattern of the user, generate information representative of the fingerprint pattern, and compare the information to information representative of fingerprint patterns of authorized users it has in nonvolatile memory, as described above with respect to the FSRA 100. If the fingerprint reader 554 matches the representative information, the fingerprint reader 554 generates a signal to actuate the FSRA 100′ (or 100).

Similar to the discussion above, the actuation cycle begins by energizing the activation device (not shown) which pulls the latch (not shown) out of the latch-holder 532. With the latch (not shown) out of the latch-holder 532, the charged device 504 can move the base 112′ in a linear path out of the housing 102′ while the lid 104′ rotates in direction of arrows denoted as “D-D”. Since the lid 104′ is coupled to the base 112′ via a linkage (i.e., arms 524 and 528), the lid 104′ rotates along with the linear motion of the base 112′. Both the base 112′ and the lid 104′ reach end of travel when either the charged device 504 reaches the end of its stroke or the lid 104′ or the base 112′ strike a stop (similar to the heels 254 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5B).

While the above description was based on placing a firearm 45 inside the FSRA 100 (or 100′), other weapons can be placed inside as well. For example, a taser gun can be placed inside the FSRA 100.

While the FSRA 100 and 100′ described above use a fingerprint reader assembly (116 or 550) to generate an activation signal when a sensed fingerprint pattern matches a fingerprint pattern stored in the memory, other sensor assemblies can also be used to generate the activation signal. For example, a keypad can be used to enter a prerecorded code to cause the FSRA to be actuated.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same should be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. It is understood that only the preferred embodiments have been presented and that all changes, modifications and further applications that come within the spirit of the invention are desired to be protected. 

1. A firearm safe with a rapid actuation unit (FSRA), comprising: a housing; an activation mechanism mounted to the housing and configured to generate an activation signal in response to a predetermined condition; a lid operably connected to the housing and configured to be placed in a closed position and an open position, the lid being moved from the closed position to the open position in response to generation of the activation signal, the lid inhibits access to an interior of the housing in the closed position; and a carrier movable with respect to the housing and configured to be placed in a first position and a second position, the carrier being moved from the first position to the second position in response to generation of the activation signal, the carrier is disposed within the housing when in the first position and when the lid is in the closed position.
 2. The FSRA of claim 1, wherein the carrier further comprises: a base; and a flexible member configured to generate a space between the base and the flexible member to receive a firearm and firmly grip the firearm within the space, wherein when the carrier is in the first position the firearm is within the housing and not accessible by a user and when the carrier is in the second position the firearm is at least partially outside the housing and is accessible by the user.
 3. The FSRA of claim 2, wherein the carrier further comprises: side walls; and flanges positioned at longitudinal edges of the base to provide stops for longitudinal movements of the firearm on the base.
 4. The FSRA of claim 2, wherein the base includes a layer of material configured to prevent vibration of the firearm.
 5. The FSRA of claim 2, wherein the flexible material is constructed from a material configured to prevent damage to the firearm.
 6. The FSRA of claim 1, the activation mechanism is a fingerprint reader which includes: a memory for storing information representative of a fingerprint pattern of an authorized user, a scanning circuit for scanning a fingerprint pattern of a user, and generating information representative of the user's fingerprint pattern and a comparison circuit configured to (i) compare the information representative of the fingerprint pattern of the user to the stored information representative of the fingerprint pattern of the authorized user, and (ii) generate the activation signal based on the comparison.
 7. The FSRA of claim 1, further comprising: a latch-holder coupled to the lid; a latch configured to be inserted into the latch-holder when the lid is being moved to the closed position and out of the latch-holder when the lid is being moved from the closed position to the open position; and a charged device coupled to the carrier and the housing and configured to move the carrier from the first position to the second position.
 8. The FSRA of claim 7, wherein the charged device is one of a gas spring, spring, and an explosive squib.
 9. The FSRA of claim 7, further comprising: an activation device configured to move the latch from the inserted position within the latch-holder toward the activation device in response to generation of the activation signal.
 10. The FSRA of claim 9, wherein the activation device further comprises a biasing member configured to bias the latch away from the activation device.
 11. The FSRA of claim 10, wherein the activation device is a solenoid. 